Healthy Nutrition With Our Elderly Loved Ones

As our family members age, good nutrition often is depleted in their daily diets. It may be because they themselves can not properly purchase and prepare the meals, no one else is consistently available to prepare on a daily basis, funds may be low, or they have limited knowledge on what is considered proper nutrition. It is very important for them to have well balanced meals in order to help sustain healthy lifestyles.

According to Ruth Frechman, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, in addition to eating a healthful variety of foods, there are specific things a caregiver can incorporate into their parent's diet to boost his or her health.

Prepare meals rich in these nutrients

• Omega 3 fatty acids- The acids have been proven to reduce inflammation, which can cause heart disease, cancer and arthritis. They can be found in many different types of fish and in flaxseed oil. Your parent should have foods rich in this nutrient twice per week. If this is impossible, check with their doctor to see if an Omega 3 supplement would be beneficial.
• Calcium and Vitamin D-The need for calcium and vitamin D increases as people age. This is primarily to preserve bone health. One added benefit of calcium is that it helps to lower blood pressure. Adults over the age of 50 need at least 1200 milligrams per day of the nutrient – equal to about four cups of milk per day. Many people find it challenging to consume this much calcium per day by eating and drinking, so check with your parent's doctor to see if he or she should take a calcium supplement

In addition to the above supplements, I suggest you focus on the following tips to ensure healthy eating habits:

Keep sodium content to a minimum, it contributes to high blood pressure and excessive fluid build up. If you are able to assist in meal preparation, read all labels and prepare accordingly.

Watch cholesterol and fat intake, it contributes to elevated total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels as well as unnecessary weight gain/obesity. 

Consult with your loved ones doctor to make sure there are no hydration restrictions. If there are none encourage fluids such as water, 100% fruit juices and vegetable/fruit smoothies. Of course if loved ones are diabetic consult with the doctor as to appropriate portions of 100 % juices/fruits to be utilized. It is very important to remember that although fruits and some vegetables have natural sugar, it is still sugar! Moderation is key.

It is so important to have 3 well balanced meals per day and they should incorporate the RDA age appropriate charts for fruits/vegetables/protein/grains/breads/dairy etc.. Please note that you may have to provide several small meals through out the day versus 3 large meals. Elderly folks may have issues with eating much less all of a sudden incorporating 3 large meals. If there is an appetite problem present, consult with your family doctor for a proper work up, answers and solutions.

If they have no issues eating, remember the saying " Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper".

Consider senior nutrition classes at a local adult daycare center. It would educate the caregiver and elderly family member.

If a caregiver has daily obligations and can't prepare or assist with all the meals, consider a private duty nursing service to assist with your loved ones daily activities. Meals on Wheels is free and available to deliver meals when a home a good cooked meal is not available. Also seek resources on PCA ( Philadelphia Corporation On Aging) .org especially if finances are an issue.

Our loved ones have lived long, productive lives and we want them to continue to live life at its fullest. Eating well balanced meals will certainly be a beneficial factor for enhanced quality of life.

Wishing you well in all that you do!

Deneene Shipanga RN BSN
Owner/Operator Angel Nurseworks 
Home Health Care
Private Duty Nursing At Its Best 
www.angelnurseworks.com